Engineers from JSC "Information Satellite Systems named after Academician M.F. Reshetnev" (part of Roscosmos) have developed a new reflector design for antennas. A prototype has already passed tests, Roscosmos press service reported.
The diameter of the deployable reflector (which collects and focuses weak electromagnetic signals) is 12 meters. Its key feature is compactness; it can be folded and placed under the rocket's fairing.
Only one actuator is needed to deploy the structure. Reshetnev specialists plan to use this development on prospective satellites.
In 2022, Reshetnev specialists developed a new material for large-sized space reflectors.
Antennas with umbrella-type reflectors have been used by the enterprise since the 1980s on relay satellites, for which high signal power is very important.
Traditionally, tungsten and molybdenum wire with a thickness of 15 to 30 microns was used to create reflectors. Thanks to this, the umbrella reflector has sufficient strength for folding and unfolding in space.
Reshetnev specialists proposed a metallic composite material as an alternative to tungsten and molybdenum wire. The mesh fabric created from it is characterized by high electrical conductivity and resistance to physical impact.
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